Official Language:
French
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Currency:
EUR
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Population:
Approximately 275,000 people call Bonifacio Corsic
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Weather:
Climate and current weather information for Bonifacio Corsica: Summers are long, dry and sunny. It has a typical Mediterranean climate. You will find day after day of sunshine and balmy nights. Summers are long May till October. Winters can be cold and there's generally snow on the highest peaks until June, but by then, the ambient temperature is in the mid
70°F. mid 20s °C, The average for the year is 12° and the average about 54°F/12°C and quarterly temperatures average:
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Corsica may be French territory, but its wild, adventurous spirit is its own. French vacationers come here to get away from France without actually getting away from France. The rugged beauty of this island attracts thousands of visitors each year. It has been said that Corsica is the most mountainous, the greenest, and the most beautiful region of France. This little town has received more attention for its sweeping sea cliffs than the entire island of Corsica. Towering above the green ocean facing Sardinia, you’ll see one of the island’s most beautiful natural settings, standing tall above the one-mile long natural harbor below. Founded by the Genoese, residents on this side of the island are said to have more in common with the Italians than the French.
Bonifacio is a city that is exposed to the open sea. Corsica is not that big, measuring only 133 miles long and fifty miles wide. But the sheer diversity of both the terrain and the people make it seem much larger than it is. The Greeks called it Kalliste, or the most beautiful, but it was its advantageous geographical location that made republics battle over the small island. Located just one hundred miles south of France and fifty miles west of Italy, Corsica has seen its share of rulers over the years. Genoa made a huge impact on the island during its two centuries in power, with watchtowers still standing from Corsica's days as a military outpost. Pisa momentarily ruled Corsica, before eventually ceding the island to the French. Corsica's language did not cede, instead becoming an intricate mix of French, Italian, and Latin. Corsica derives its greatest fame from Napoleon Bonaparte.
The French emperor was born in Ajaccio in 1769, and his birthday is celebrated nationwide with a full day of festivals, parades, and celebration. Museums and art galleries all over Ajaccio are devoted to Napoleon, even though the man himself never returned to his homeland after he came to power. Ajaccio is Corsica's administrative capital, with French government offices housed here. The city is on Corsica's west coast, in Corse du Sud, the southernmost of the two Corsican regions (Haute Corse is to the north). The confluence of Mediterranean water, Riviera sunshine, and a cheerful population have led to Corsica becoming one of the more sought-after vacation spots in Europe.
Cruise ships dock at the Port of Ajaccio, an area controlled by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Ajaccio and South Corsica. There is road access available immediately outside of the port to the rest of Ajaccio. Local Transportation in Ajaccio Ferries leave daily from Ajaccio to Marseille, on France's mainland. In Ajaccio itself, taxis are the preferred method of transportation, and you should have no trouble spotting one right outside of the port. Buses (tel. 04/9551-4323) and trains (tel. 04/9523-1103) run hourly.
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Attractions |
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Bonifacio is one of the most beautiful towns in Corsica. A combination of the upper town and the lower town. The lower town consists of the cruise port, a marina and many restaurants and shops. The main attractions are located in the upper town upon the 70 meter high cliffs. Your choice of 100 steps or a roadway, lead to the upper town. The narrow cobblestone streets are lined by shops and quaint restaurants. Be sure to see the 12th-century church of Ste-Marie-Majeure, as it is well worth a visit.
Entering through the great Porte des Genes, one first faces the impressive Bastion de l'Etendard. This is a remnant of the fortifications which were destroyed during the siege of 1554. The rue du Palais de Garde, within the same area is one of the most attractive streets in Bonifacio.
Bouches de Bonifacio:
This is a large nature reserve located the southern coast of Corsica. You will see a variety of plant life, wildlife, and geographical features.
Rail Journey:
Cover the mountain views by train. A highlight is your passage through the Vizzavona tunnel where you move from a sub-tropical to a cooler, temperate climate in only a few minutes.
Ajaccio:
Pastel-shaded Ajaccio is Napoleon Bonaparte's birthplace, the largest town on Corsica and the capital of Corse-du-Sud. In its livelier moments it's slightly reminiscent of Nice on the Côte d'Azur. You shouldn't expect more of Ajaccio than it can deliver. It's a provincial place with a limited bag of tricks with which to seduce outsiders, and it also has a melancholic (or as the French might say, triste) side. When it comes to celebrating its famous son, Ajaccio is also the king of kitsch; but despite all this, the place is not without its cosmopolitan charms.
Bastia:
Bustling, Italianate Bastia is Corsica's main business centre and the capital of the island's northern département. It was founded in 1372, and the town's name is taken from the bastiglia (fortress) that was built to protect its Genoese governors. Many of the passengers arriving by sea in the busy port of Bastia are heading elsewhere; but travellers are starting to linger, savouring the narrow streets and odd byways of the city, and they're rarely disappointed.
Bonifacio:
The fortressed pearl of the far south, Bonifacio is reputed to have been a port of call for Odysseus. It sits, Gibraltar-like, looking out over just 12km (7.5mi) of turquoise water across to the Italian island of Sardinia. The town consists of two main sections: a marina and a Genoese-built citadel. The citadel's ancient walls and buildings sit 70m (230ft) above the sea and are constructed so as to appear a continuation of the sheer, chalky cliffs on which they're perched.
Cap Corse:
On the northernmost tip of the island, is a land of fishing villages and maquis-covered hills, enclosed by a string of Genoese towers.The cape is dotted withsmall communities perched precariously in the hills. The western coast, wilder in appearance than the eastern, is undoubtably the more spectacular scenically: the long, narrow, finger-shaped peninsula affords spectacular views of the sea.
Corte:
Lying smack in the middle of Corsica, Corte is a potent symbol of Corsican independence. It was the 18th-century capital of Pascal Paoli's short-lived Corsican state and remains the cultural and spiritual heart of the island. A university town, Corte's youthful population makes it the island's youngest, liveliest and least touristy destination. The town is dominated by a partly derelict citadel, the only such fortress in the interior of the island, which towers above the town from a rocky promontory. Also of note is the Genoese-built National Palace, the Musée de la Corse and, of course, the Univerità di Corsica Pasquale Paoli.Corte is an excellent base for walking. Some of the choicest trails begin about 16km (10mi) south-west of Corte at Bergeries de Grotelle; trails from here lead to a number of glacial lakes. Around Corte the Valée de la Restonica is a highlight: a series of natural gorges and basins offer beautiful swimming spots and there is great hiking. Buses run to a range of destinations, and there are plenty of trains going to Ajaccio, Bastia, Calvi, Île Rousse and Vizzavona.
Filitosa:
If the Flintstones' hometown Bedrock had been modelled on a real place, Filitosa would be it. Corsica's most celebrated prehistoric site is home to mysterious ancient statuary dating back as far as the early Neolithic era. A museum with guidebooks and other archeological displays eases you into an introduction to Corsica's prehistoric times. Impressive granite menhir statues of the megalithic era stand 2-3m (7-10ft) high and are carved to represent human faces or entire human figures armed with weapons. There are also torri, circular structures erected in place of some menhirs by the Torréens, a seafaring people who invaded Corsica in about 110 BC. Once you've seen the sights you can quench your thirst in the bar or top up your trinket collection at the souvenir shop.
GR20:
Here's an attraction that is very much on the beaten track, and loved by many happy feet. The GR20 walking track is famous, with 10,000 brave souls tramping its signposted route each year. The trail follows a diagonal route from northwest to southeast along the island's continental divide.Around 200km (124mi) long, it is divided into 15 stages of five to eight hours' walking each. It cuts through the Parc Naturel Régional de Corse, traversing spectacular wilderness scenery at average altitudes of 1000-2000m (3280-6560ft).
Musee National de la Maison Bonaparte:
Musee National de la Maison Bonaparte has been transformed from a quaint middle class house where an obstinate baby boy was born in 1769, into a museum that is sure to delight Napoleophiles. There are portraits of the entire Bonaparte family here. (Rue St-Charles, tel. 04/9521-4389
Musee Fesch:
Houses a collection of Renaissance paintings collected by Napoleon's uncle, Fesch, who became a Cardinal, the Archbishop of Lyon. Fesch bought many of these paintings at very low prices, no doubt leaning on his nephew's influence. (50-52 Cardinal Fesch, tel. 04/9521-4817)
Niolo Region:
The Niolo region, around Calacuccia, northwest of Corte, is the all but perfect playpen for outdoor sports enthusiasts. Guides, some of them skilled in mountaineering, can help both beginners and proficient climbers up the peaks of Cuccia and Calasima. You can also explore the canyons of the Ruda and the Frascaghju, or kayak in the Golo. Organised hikes to the top of Monte Cinto, Corsica's highest peak, are offered several times a week. You can also take an organised walk to the Lac de Nino peat bogs. The Assocation Sportive et Culturelle du Niolu and the Compagnie Régionale des Guides et Accompagnateurs en Montagne de Corse offer more information and can be found just outside Calacuccia on the Scala di Santa Regina side.
Place Marechal-Foch:
Ajaccio's center square. A bronze statue of Napoleon stares down at you triumphantly. If you peek into the Hotel de Ville (tel. 04/9521-4817), you can take a look at Napoleon's mother, Letizia, cast in bronze, as well as an intricate ceiling fresco chronicling Napoleon's rise to power, and his death mask.
Sartène:
Sartène not too far from Filitosa, Sartène is a reminder of what Corsica used to be like, perpetuating traditions that go back to the Middle Ages. It was the seat of many a famous inter-family and even inter-township vendetta; novelist Mérimée called it 'the most Corsican of all Corsican towns'. If you're interested in piety, or just plain masochism, visit on the eve of Good Friday, when a tradition dating from the Middle Ages, the Procession du Catenacciu, takes place. An anonymous, barefoot penitent - covered from head to foot in a red robe and cowl - carries a huge 32kg (70lb) oak cross through the town, dragging a heavy 14kg (30lb) chain at his feet. The penitent is selected by the parish priest from applicants seeking to expiate a grave sin, and there is much curiosity about the identity of the person in chains. The town is an easy 1.5-hour bus ride from Ajaccio.
Activities:
The 200km (124mi) GR20 walking trail was created in 1972 and is now an institution, attracting 10,000 walkers every year. The Mare e Monti and Mare a Mare routes are less well known, but equally as beautiful, and - for the less fit - easier to traverse.Around 30 dive centres cater for diving enthusiasts, and English-speaking instructors can usually be found. The area around Porto Vecchio offers some of the island's best diving and some of Corsica's best beaches for swimming, but these are no longer a secret and get very crowded in summer. Plage de Palombaggia is the most famous of all and perhaps the most beautiful. If snorkelling is more your thing, Îles Lavezzi is the place to strap on your mask and flippers.Walking and diving are the two key activities on Corsica, but the outdoor fun doesn't stop there. Cycling is popular and you can hire out mountain bikes throughout the island. Be aware, however, that the combination of hills and heat can make cycling a somewhat trying experience. Climbing and canyoning are possibilities in the area surrounding the Col de Bavella. Niolo also offers climbing and canyoning, with canoeing thrown in for good measure. In summer you can spend time mucking about in boats, with beach towns such as Porticcio, around Porto Vecchio, and St-Florent hiring out windurfers, dinghies and sports catamarans. Horse-riding is also popular - you can cover almost the entire island on horseback, going from one equestrian centre to the next. Calvi, the Désert des Agriates, Île Rousse and Porticcio all have riding centres. Organised tours are also available.
Plage St-Francois :
is near the center of town. It's a serviceable beach, but you'd be better off finding other ways to spend time in Ajaccio.
Water Sports and Outdoor Pursuits Club des-Calanques :
Beaches: There is only one small stretch of beach in Ajaccio. (Hotel des Calanques, Iles des Sanguinaires, tel. 04/9521-3965) is the place to go for travelers who want to see what's under the sea. The club provides snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and windsurfing equipment.
Bicycle rentals are popular in Ajaccio, as they provide a leisurely way to explore Corsica's west coast. Locacorse (10 Avenue Beverini-Vico, tel. 04/9520-7120) rents nice bicycles at affordable prices.
Horseback Riding:
Horseback Riding is another popular pursuit in Ajaccio. The Poney-Club d'Ajaccio (Campo dell'Oro, tel. 04/9523-0310) rents horses and provides excellent trails for exploration. ShoppingAjaccio's shopping scene is fairly muted. There are some small shops selling Corsican specialties, including some rare sheep and goat cheeses. You'll also want to take home some chestnut pastries, a Corsican specialty. Bookworms can add to their library at Librairie la Marge (7 Rue Emmanuelle-Guinguetta). If you just need a souvenir to bring home, U Tilaghju (Rue Forcioli Conti) should fit the bill. La Boutique Corse (20601 Furiani Cedex, tel. 04/9533-9930) offers fine Corsican wines and cheeses, along with other gift ideas.
Festivals:
It seems like there is a different cause for celebration every month in Ajaccio. Of course, Napoleon's birthday on August 15 is reason enough to throw a party, which Corsicans do every year. The Fetes Napoleoniennes. Carnival is celebrated in May, with celebrations lasting for days. Ajaccio celebrates the day of its patron saint every year on March 18 during the Fete de la Misericorde
Ajaccio's tourist office (3 Boulevard du Roi Jerome, tel. 04/9551-5303) will help you get started. The office provides maps and brochures, along with suggested itineraries for your stay in Ajaccio. Many of Ajaccio's tourist attractions center around its most famous son, Napoleon Bonaparte. Napoleon was born here, and even though he never returned once he embarked on his plan of world domination, he always held his hometown close to his heart. He claimed that he could recognize Corsica by its fragrant smell alone. The Cathedrale (Rue F-Conti) where Napoleon was baptized, is highlighted by an altar donated to the church by the Princess of Tuscany, Eliza. Coincidentally, Eliza was Napoleon's sister.
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More Information |
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Useful Links About Corsica:
Corsica Travel Information
www.visit-corsica.com
http://www.corsica-online.com/
Office de Tourisme de Bonifacio
2 Rue Fred Scamaroni BP 78
20169 BONIFACIO
Tél. 04.95.73.11.88
Fax : 04.95.73.14.97
EMail : tourisme.bonifacio@wanadoo.fr
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